Tardive Dyskinesia

Definition

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a neurologic syndrome. It results from using neuroleptic drugs—also called antipsychotic drugs. This class of drugs is used to treat psychiatric conditions, like
schizophrenia
. TD consists of a group of symptoms including:

Abnormal twisting movements

Abnormal postures due to sustained muscle contractions

Causes

It is unclear exactly why TD develops. Long-term use of neuroleptic drugs can cause changes in the chemistry in the brain that lead to the symptoms. Nerve cells may also become overly sensitive to certain substances. Not everyone who takes these drugs develops TD.

Risk Factors

TD is more common in women and in people over the age of 54. Other factors that may increase your risk of TD include:

Use of neuroleptic drugs, especially if the drugs:

Are taken in high doses for longer than six months

Are first generation drugs, which are the first drugs developed to treat a condition

Use of
metoclopramide
and prochlorperazine—These medications are used to treat gastrointestinal problems, like nausea, vomiting, delayed bowel emptying, and
gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD), especially if taken more than three months

Behavior problems that occur with psychiatric or neurologic disorders, such as agitation in
Alzheimer’s disease

Digestive disorders

Symptoms

TD causes repetitive movements. Movements usually occur in the face, mouth, limbs, or trunk. The movements are involuntary and serve no purpose. They may occur occasionally or all of the time. They may or may not be noticeable. Symptoms may begin while on the drug or within weeks of stopping it.

Symptoms may include:

Grimacing

Sticking out the tongue

Twisting the tongue

Chewing

Sucking

Smacking lips

Puckering lips

Blinking eyes

Facial tics

Foot tapping

Moving fingers as if playing the piano

Rapidly moving arms, legs, or body

Writhing movements

Pelvic thrusts

Grunting

Sighing

Noisy breathing

They can worsen with:

Stress

Moving other parts of the body

Taking certain drugs

Symptoms may decrease with:

Relaxation

Sleep

Purposely moving the affected body part

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Other disorders can cause symptoms similar to those of TD. The doctor will rule out other disorders before making a diagnosis. There is no specific test for TD.

Tests
to rule out other disorders
may include:

Blood tests

Imaging tests can evaluate the brain and surrounding structures. They may include:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.